GCU and Santander Agreement

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) has signed a new agreement with Santander Universities, signifying an incredible £1m of support for students and staff.

Since 2010, Santander Universities have supported over 700 beneficiaries at GCU, providing life-changing opportunities to access education, travel, develop their business ideas as well as enhancing employability through their matched funding internship scheme.

Holly Gillespie was able to accept a place on GCU’s MSc Occupational Therapy programme with a Santander Universities Scholarship. She said: “I am eager to better myself, and this scholarship is a lifeline which will aid me in achieving my dream of becoming an Occupational Therapist.”

And thanks to Santander’s Internship scheme, GCU Multimedia Journalism and Media & Communication students teamed up with the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) Trust to produce news packages and editorial, showcasing ongoing community projects and uncovering club news.

An event to celebrate the new agreement was held on campus on Friday 16 June. Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies CBE FRSE and Jillian Watt, Director of the Glasgow Caledonian University Foundation were joined by Susan Allen, Head of Retail Distribution, Santander UK. Representatives from Santander were also able to meet and hear from a number of beneficiaries who have benefitted from the funding.

Commenting on the partnership, Professor Gillies said: “Glasgow Caledonian University is very proud to be part of the prestigious Santander Universities network. We are so delighted to work with a partner who has a shared passion for providing educational opportunities for all and for working with our communities locally and internationally to deliver social benefit.“

Jillian Watt said: “The event has been a wonderful opportunity for us to thank Santander Universities for their phenomenal generosity and support. Our Santander team here on campus have become an integral part of the GCU community and, through their philanthropic support, they really are helping to change lives.”

Santander Universities, who celebrate their tenth year in 2017, have now donated over 1.5billion euros in the shape of scholarships, mobility grants, support for entrepreneurship, special projects and non-academic awards worldwide.

Susan Allen, Head of Retail Distribution, Santander UK, said: “Santander is committed to supporting higher education as well as local communities across the UK. The partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University is a great example of how two very different institutions can work together effectively. It has been great to meet with both staff and students and hear about their experiences and the real impact made by our joint programmes.”